Posted on 05/08/2005 11:20:55 PM PDT by MadIvan
Drinking malt whisky may help prevent cancer, a scientific conference has been told.
The medicinal properties of antioxidants in red wine are well known, but delegates at a biochemistry conference were told that whisky offered "even greater health benefits".
Dr Jim Swan, a consultant to the drinks industry, said: "There has been much in the news about the health benefits of antioxidants in red wine. By contrast, very little has been said about malt whisky distillery science.
"However, research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine."
Speaking at the EuroMedLab conference in Glasgow, he said ellagic acid absorbed rogue cells in the body. "So, whether you indulge in the odd tipple, or you are a serious connoisseur, whisky can protect you from cancer and science proves it," he said.
However, Dr Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK, pointed out that the same acid was found in fruit, and said she was "very concerned" that whisky was being promoted as a cancer prevention agent without data to support the claim.
"On the contrary, there is considerable data documenting the link between drinking excess alcohol and the increased risk of a number of cancers, particularly in smokers," she said.
"Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant but that does not mean it is necessary to hit the bottle.
"There is an abundance of this acid in soft fruits and the charity suggests this as a much healthier way of increasing antioxidant intake."
"On the contrary, there is considerable data documenting the link between drinking excess alcohol and the increased risk of a number of cancers, particularly in smokers," she said.
True. First thing I was asked when diagnosed with cancer was "do you drink", since it and cancer get along well. Steroids, also. Both help cancer to spread.
Did drink long ago but gave it up, and thank God I did.
ping!
Doesn't alcohol raise estrogen levels, al least in women?
Wild Turkey? Jack Daniels isn't Bourbon, thank Heaven. Bourbon is a different distilling process and has to come from Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Tonight after tea, as every other night, I will pour myself a good stiff whisky or three, sans any water or ice.
I do not have cancer nor do I expect to.
Such is my vice. That and a little Jack Russel by the name of Roxie Ru. Life has its compensations.
Is this for whisky or whiskey? I'm afraid some of us are sold on Jameson's.
Or.......the more you drink, the less you care, anyway... eh? lol
"Americas best bourbon is now a ghost."
Tennessee whisky, not bourbon IIRC. I thought all REAL bourbon had to be from Bourbon county, KY
My brother drank whiskey and he died for cancer at age 45.
"However, research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine."
Jack Daniels still makes Black Jack, don't they? Black Jack is 100 proof. I guess there was no need for Green Jack (#7)to be so similar proofwise, so they lowered the proof of it. If you want a stronger drink, order Black Jack.
Thank God. I've been drinking bourbon for as long as I've been smoking. Maybe it will all work out just fine.
Maybe if I just double up on consumption....? ;-)
I DO enjoy sipping the occasional finger or two of The Glenlivet.
Good, I can skip my workout today and drink.
My brother drank whiskey and he died for cancer at age 45.
I am looking at my current bottle of Jack as I type this. It is Black Label, Old #7 brand and is 80 proof.
More specifically, doesn't it have to be distilled in Bourbon County Kentucky to be considered bourbon?
"I am looking at my current bottle of Jack as I type this. It is Black Label, Old #7 brand and is 80 proof."
Thanks. Boy was I behind the curve on this one. The black labeled bottles ARE 80 proof these days. It is only a matter of the "finer" whiskey being selected for the black label, with the rest getting a green. Follow this link to get the whole story:
http://www.answers.com/topic/jack-daniel-s
Hopefully white lable Wild Turkey 101 is still 101 proof!
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